Thursday 12 November 2009

Weekword-Lesson

I wanted to say something lofty and intelligent about this week's word. As a teacher I thought I should be some sort of expert on it. The more I think though, the less I know what to write!
I don't teach 'lessons' as such-apart from things like my phonics sessions. I plan based on the children's current interests, and am very flexible in my approach. Learning only happens if children-or people for that matter-feel relaxed so their brain can work to absorb things. So, promoting children's well-being and self-esteem comes top of my list. That is done through building genuine relationships with them, which is done by being a human being! So-my best lesson is in being human! Trying to be a decent person, but one who can admit to mistakes or wrong doing and use those experiences to learn. So, my next lesson is about learning to be wrong. This is where my brain starts to hurt at the many different interpretations of 'lesson'. Surely lessons are about learning to be right?! My third important lesson is linked to the first two, and is about respecting and valuing the children as equals-yes I know that I have more experience etc but in importance we are equal. I can't speak for other teachers but I hope they feel the same. So that one is about lack of ego. So, be human, be wrong happily and be humble! Enough of the philosophizing as I am tired! Visit Alexandra for more interpretations of 'lesson'



These images are all from here-a great site full of lovely vintage pictures. The first is to represent being human, the second looks like someone who could easily be wrong happily and some of the characters in number three look very humble.

16 comments:

jabblog said...

Oh yes! Be human first of all. Don't be afraid to say you don't know (difficult with young children!!) Help them to understand that nothing is written in stone - history and archaeology are ever evolving. Above all encourage open minds, thinking laterally - okay, shut up, you can tell I've been out of the classroom a long time (and no bloody NC to contend with!)

jabblog said...

Ps: I like your bookshelf - many diverse interests and much to occupy the mind . . .

Sam said...

Oh fellow teacher I'm so with you! That's half my lesson - making the students feel happy and relaxed and bonded with each other and me! Once you've done that some real learning can happen. ...and I'm cool with mistakes (although I don't like making them too often!!!).

Love these images and your new header - have a lovely weekend!

Unknown said...

(((((((((((Hugging}}}}}}}}}}}}} U

Veja cecilia said...

very important lesson! Love the vintage images, very inspiring.

Yiota said...

So very well said! Teaching can be a hard job but being human makes it all easier! Love the new banner!
Have a lovely weekend!

Anonymous said...

I wish I had teachers like you - most of my teachers used fear and loathing to teach me!!

Lynne said...

You sound a fantastic teacher. If only all teachers for all ages could be as thoughtful as you.

Renee said...

Sarah I love the pictures.

But your words were wonderful.

I don't know if I ever told you that Angelique and Nathan are both Teachers. Nadalene is a City Planner.

I love teachers oh and of course I love a city planner too.

xoxoxo

●• Thereza said...

well said, especially, the being human bit :)

Deirdra Doan said...

Thank you! I got realy started in England with Noddy and Big Ears!
Happy Christmas..oxo

Aris said...

My husband and I are both teachers and we are always talking about being human. Too many teachers are too much about being in charge, being right and creating a bunch of earnest rule followers. my students learn just as much from me admitting I am wrong as they do when I am right and I learn just as much from them as they do from me. The sincerity of children is something we can all learn from.
Great post!!!

Renee said...

We are all important dear one.

Thank you, I am glad you like the names.

xoxo

Hey Harriet said...

You sound like a wonderful teacher! The children attending your classes are very lucky to have you! They may not always realise that now, but certainly will in the future :)

Anonymous said...

"be human, be wrong happily and be humble" - wonderful words, and bang on target :) Interesting book shelf you have there, btw!

Anonymous said...

Well said!